Hugh Otte Campground
03 reviewsnull
Hugh Otte Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single sites are charged $5/night. Payments accepted in CASH or CHECK only. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by the pass holder, but not for accompanying parties or fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of Sinks Canyon near Lander, Wyoming, Hugh Otte Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and natural splendor. This intimate dispersed camping haven features eight unpaved sites, each equipped with fire rings and grills, where adventurers can settle in for the night just steps from the rushing waters of the Popo Agie River. Due to the area's thriving wildlife population, including active bears, the campground provides convenient bear boxes for secure food storage, ensuring both visitor safety and wildlife protection.
Hugh Otte Campground provides a rustic camping experience with eight sites suitable for dispersed camping. Options for RVs and tents are available. Horse trailer parking and equestrian amenities are located nearby.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Wyoming's high country at Hugh Otte. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, with temperatures plummeting to a crisp 10°F, creating a frozen wonderland for the hardiest of winter campers. As spring awakens the canyon, temperatures gradually climb from 20°F to a pleasant 60°F, painting the landscape in fresh greens and wildflower blooms. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, blessing visitors with crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures reaching a perfect 81°F—ideal for riverside relaxation and mountain adventures.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryHugh Otte Campground embodies the essence of dispersed camping at its finest, where the melodic sounds of the Popo Agie River create nature's soundtrack for your outdoor adventure. The campground's riverfront location provides immediate access to pristine waters perfect for fishing, wading, or simply contemplating life's rhythms. Set within the dramatic landscapes of Sinks Canyon, visitors are treated to a stunning tapestry of towering canyon walls, verdant forests, and abundant wildlife that make this corner of Wyoming a photographer's paradise and nature lover's dream.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Shoshone National Forest, Hugh Otte Campground sits in the heart of Sinks Canyon—a geological marvel where the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River mysteriously vanishes into a limestone cavern before reemerging downstream. This remarkable setting showcases Wyoming's diverse ecosystems, from riparian corridors teeming with life to pine-studded slopes that shelter an impressive array of flora and fauna. The campground serves as your gateway to exploring one of the American West's most intriguing geological phenomena while immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSpecific size descriptions for individual campsites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information about privacy levels between campsites.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Tent camping spaces are limited," and rough road conditions make site selection important.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Stay limit: 16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information provided about group-specific campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEight dispersed sites accessible via unpaved routes with parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for the 2025 Season.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"First-come, first-served basis. User review notes: 'I see more sites than that' despite the official mention of eight sites."
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Hugh Otte Campground is located in the popular Sinks Canyon area, providing a variety of recreational opportunities. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, rock climbing, fishing in the Popo Agie River, and scenic drives. "Dispersed camping at its best on the river," says Patrick Nottingham. Interpretive areas and exhibits also offer educational opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking is available, including day hikes in the surrounding Sinks Canyon area. Specific trail details are not provided.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Popo Agie River, which is located adjacent to the campground. Specific details on fish species or fishing quality are not provided.Biking
Both mountain biking and road cycling opportunities are available in the area.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive areas and exhibits offer opportunities for outdoor learning.Winter Activities
No information provided on winter-specific recreational options.Water Sports
No details available about non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings/grills are provided at campsites.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBears are present in the area, requiring mandatory food storage. Roads are unpaved and rough; caution is advised for vehicles.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo garbage collection is provided. Campers must pack out all trash and adhere to leave-no-trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located alongside the Popo Agie River, providing easy access for fishing or viewing.
Common complaints"Road is definitely not maintained, lots of big rocks and huge dips," and "No cell phone service," as noted by user reviews.
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Lander, travel about 7 miles on State Highway 131 to the Shoshone National Forest boundary. The camping area will be on the left just past the cattle guard.
"The camping area is accessible via unpaved routes. User reviews emphasize that the roads are "not maintained, lots of big rocks and huge dips," and "the road is pretty rough in the camping area as soon as you turn off" the main road.Nearby places
Lander (7 miles away)
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Hugh Otte Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Hugh Otte Campground as a basic but clean camping area suitable for both tents and RVs. The vault toilets and natural surroundings received praise, though the roads leading to the campground are noted as rough.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets; scenic location by the Popo Agie River; bear boxes provided; equestrian amenities available.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Unpaved and poorly maintained roads with large rocks and dips; limited tent camping areas.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Be prepared for rough roads. Bring all necessary supplies, including water, as potable water is unavailable. Store food properly in bear boxes.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No detailed information regarding seasonal trends in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Dispersed camping at its best on the river." - Patrick Nottingham
2. "Camping area is clean...road definitely not maintained, lots of big rocks and huge dips in the roads." - Jonathan Carter
3....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No detailed site-specific reviews or ratings are provided for individual campsites.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025